THE JOURNAL OF JOHN BISCOE. 833 
22nd and part of the 23rd it blew a severe gale from N.N.E. to N., andI 
hauled off the land with a press of sail. Towards the evening of the 
23rd the weather became more moderate, but thick and threatening. 
Feb. 23.—During this day and the 24th stood off and on shore ag 
the weather cleared up. 
On the 25th more clear, but nearly calm. Land from N.E. to east 
by south. Latitude at noon 64° 28’ 8. Longitude by chronometers 
66° 11’ 15” W., by lunar © and © 65° 49' 45” W. Latitude of Mount 
William 64° 45’ S. 
Feb. 26.—Longitude 63° 51’ W. On the 26th calm weather and 
clear with S.W. swell. Temperature, air 35°, water 36°. Barometer 
29° 00". am. of the 27th, squally appearance; saw the loom of land 
in the N.W., stood in that direction in hopes of better success. On the 
27th the wind was moderate from the southward with squalls of snow. 
During this day and the 28th continued to make a N.W. course in hopes 
of finding land, but saw none in that direction. Supplied the cutter 
with water. 
Feb. 29.—On the 29th of February, at 7 a.m., saw Smith’s or James’ 
Island bearing east by south 3} south. Strong northerly gales with 
thick weather. Heavy squalls and very heavy sea, which lasted until 
the 2nd of March, when the wind shifted to W.S.W.; finding the sea 
clear of ice I determined, if possible, to visit South Shetland, although 
the season was far advanced. I was in hopes, should no vessels have 
arrived here, I might still be in time to load the vessels with elephant 
and oil, as I now expected the March bulls would be coming up. 
March 3.—On the 3rd of March at noon our latitude was 62° 08’ 8. 
Longitude by chronometers 62°17'45" W. Temperature, air 36°, water 39°. 
Barometer 28° 56’. The entrance to New Plymouth $.8.H.4 E. James’ 
Island south by west. Midnight, strong gales from the south-west with 
heavy snow squalls. Noon of the 4th, ditto weather. Smith’s Island 
8.8.W. Entrance to New Plymouth. South Shetland 8.E. 2? E. Longi- 
tude by chronometer at noon 62° 09' W. ‘Temperature of air 31°, 
water 34°. Barometer 20° 50’. During all this night heavy squalls of 
wind with snow. Noon of the 5th more moderate. At 4 p.m. entered 
the mouth of New Plymouth. Sent a boat to sound for an anchorage. 
At 6.30 came to in 5 fathoms water with the best bower. Found lying 
here the schooner Exquisite of London. From Captain Kellock I under- 
stood this anchorage was quite secure, and on the 6th it certainly 
appeared so. After I had hauled the vessels closer in shore, moored 
the Tula with 45 fathoms of chain upon each anchor, she being then 
completely land locked. 
Understanding there were plenty of elephant on the beaches, I lost 
no time in looking for them, and on the 7th sent away two boats, 
which returned next day loaded, having met with about thirty 
elephant, which were killed. Conjointly with the crew of the Haquisite, 
